Marcia Fudge backs Richard Cordray for governor

CLEVELAND, Ohio - U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, a Democrat from Warrensville Heights, announced Monday she would back former federal consumer watchdog Richard Cordray in his bid for Ohio governor.

Fudge previously backed former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton - who is now Cordray's running mate. Fudge said the Cordray-Sutton ticket provided Democrats with the best chance to win in November.

"Both Rich and Betty have made those 'kitchen table' issues their focus throughout their careers, from taking on the big financial institutions when they wronged people, to helping rescue the auto industry in the midst of the Great Recession," Fudge said in a statement.

Cordray is in a five-way primary for the Democratic nomination with former state Rep. Connie Pillich, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill.